Covert Cowboy

Covert Cowboy
Harper Allen

MISSION PROFILETHE AGENT: Conrad Burke, alias Connor DucharmeHIS MOTTO: "Always work alone."THE ASSIGNMENT–AND COMPLICATION: Team up with one headstrong, pregnant woman to catch a criminal….With a resolve as cold as steel and a thirst for vengeance, U.S. marshal-turned-Confidential-agent Conrad Burke tracked his quarry like a Wild West hero of old. Until the trail led to his downfall–the one woman he'd always loved. Marilyn Langworthy, billionaire's daughter–and after one reckless night, mother of Con's unborn child. His quest placed her in jeopardy. But although the mobster he sought took no prisoners, only Marilyn had the key to bring the man down. Now Con would move heaven and earth to keep Marilyn safe….

Colorado Confidential turns up the heat in the search for the Langworthy baby. There’s a new agent on board to shake up the case and shake down another lead—if he can handle the very cool, very pregnant Marilyn Langworthy…

“I’m pregnant. I’m not going to make a total fool of myself.”

“A fool of yourself? Why would you say that?” Con’s expression was unreadable.

“Because it would be foolish of me to believe the things you say. And I can’t afford to be foolish anymore. I’ll work with you, but that’s as far as it goes.”

“And if I want it to go further, cher?” Emerald eyes narrowed at her. “I’m out of luck is what you’re saying?”

He was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen, and to pretend she was immune to his brand of sexy Southern charm would be a lie. “A man like you is never at the end of his luck, Con,” she said softly. “I don’t think I’m going to cause you any sleepless nights.”

“You might be surprised at what keeps me awake nights,” Con drawled. “If you want to keep it business between us I’ll do my best. But I don’t guarantee anything.”

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

Take a very well-deserved break from Thanksgiving preparations and rejuvenate yourself with Harlequin Intrigue’s tempting offerings this month!

To start off the festivities, Harper Allen brings you Covert Cowboy—the next riveting installment of COLORADO CONFIDENTIAL. Watch the sparks fly when a Native American secret agent teams up with the headstrong mother of his unborn child to catch a slippery criminal. Looking to live on the edge? Then enter the dark and somber HEARTSKEEP estate—with caution!—when Dani Sinclair brings you The Second Sister—the next book in her gothic trilogy.

The thrills don’t stop there! His Mysterious Ways pairs a ruthless mercenary with a secretive seductress as they ward off evil forces. Don’t miss this new series in Amanda Stevens’s extraordinary QUANTUM MEN books. Join Mallory Kane for an action-packed story about a heroine who must turn to a tough-hearted FBI operative when she’s targeted by a stalker in Bodyguard/Husband.

A homecoming unveils a deadly conspiracy in Unmarked Man by Darlene Scalera—the latest offering in our new theme promotion BACHELORS AT LARGE. And finally this month, ’tis the season for some spine-tingling suspense in The Christmas Target by Charlotte Douglas when a sexy cowboy cop must ride to the rescue as a twisted Santa sets his sights on a beautiful businesswoman.

So gather your loved ones all around and warm up by the fire with some steamy romantic suspense!

Enjoy,

Denise O’Sullivan

Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

Covert Cowboy

Harper Allen

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Harper Allen lives in the country in the middle of a hundred acres of maple trees with her husband, Wayne, six cats, four dogs—and a very nervous cockatiel at the bottom of the food chain. For excitement she and Wayne drive to the nearest village and buy jumbo bags of pet food. She believes in love at first sight because it happened to her.

The Confidential Code

I will protect my country and its citizens.

I will stand in the line of fire between innocents and criminals.

I will back up my fellow agents without questions.

I will trust my instincts.

And most of all…

I WILL KEEP MY MISSION AND MY IDENTITY STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Marilyn Langworthy—Her nickname’s the Ice Queen, but her detached facade hides the guilt she feels over her tiny nephew’s disappearance.

Conrad Burke—He’s only working with Colorado Confidential because he’s hunting an enemy from the past.

Holly Langworthy—Marilyn’s younger half sister, she may know more about her baby’s kidnapping than she’s revealing.

Tony Corso—Nephew of a mobster, he used his position at a Langworthy-owned pharmaceutical firm to steal dangerous viral stock.

Samuel Langworthy—Marilyn’s father, he’s been estranged from her for too long.

Joshua Langworthy—Marilyn’s politically minded brother intends to be Colorado’s next governor.

Helio DeMarco—The shadowy mobster has a liking for biological weapons, and a hatred of Con Burke.

Wiley Longbottom—He suggested Con for Colorado Confidential. Now he wonders if he picked the right man for the job.

Colleen Wellesley—The head of Colorado Confidential, she doesn’t particularly like Con, and the feeling’s mutual.

To Wayne with Love

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven